2009 Volvo S80 recalls and problems

The 2009 Volvo S80 has 5 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Volvo S80 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Volvo S80 recalls

Recall 20V-378: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 30, 2020 · 308,260 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2008-2016 V70 and XC70, 2007-2016 S80, 2011-2018 S60 and V60, 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country, 2014-2020 S60L, 2009-2015 S80L, 2009-2016 XC60 and 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country vehicles. The flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant in the event of a crash.

Risk: An unsecured occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10029.

Recall 10V-566: Equipment

Reported Nov 8, 2010 · 416 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain vehicles equipped with garmin 760 portable global positioning system (Gps) units because the batteries on those units may overheat.

Risk: An overheated battery could lead to a fire.

Fix: Volvo advises owners to please stop using the garmin portable GPS device immediately, and visit the garmin website to determine if their unit is affected. The unit's battery will be replaced with a new battery and a spacer will be inserted on top of the battery next to the pcb. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 18, 2010. Owners may contact garmin at 866-957-1981 or visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

Recall 10V-335: Tires

Reported Jul 22, 2010 · 3,635 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 s80 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure and the tire pressure monitoring system (Tpms) software has an incorrect trigger level.

Risk: These vehicles do not meet the required safety standards.

Fix: Dealers will update the vehicles with a new tire and loading information label, owner's manual label and TPMS software. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about august 27, 2010. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com .

Recall 09V-343: Electrical System

Reported Sep 1, 2009 · 11,993 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling my 2008-2010 s80, model year 2009-2010 xc70 and model year 2010 xc60 vehicles. Under certain conditions the software within the central electronic module (Cem) may not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (Pem). This missing signal to the pem inhibits the start of the fuel pump. The driver may be able to start the engine in spite of the fuel pump not being activated due to residual pressure in the fuel system. In some cases, the driver may be able to drive the vehicle a short distance at idle but then the engine may stall.

Risk: If the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will download software to the vehicles' cem free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2009. Vehicles in dealer's inventory will be repaired prior to delivery. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Recall 09V-218: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 12, 2009 · 17,614 vehicles affected · VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.

Problem: Volvo is recalling 17,614 my 2008-2009 s80, v70, and xc70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (Fcm). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature.

Risk: This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(S) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during july 2009. Owners may contact volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.

2009 Volvo S80 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Wheels4
Structure4
Tires3
Electrical System2
Seat Belts2
Seats1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Engine1
Lane Departure1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 2
  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Volvo S80 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Aug 17, 2025
The headlight system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request. The low beam failure error occurred, which led to an inspection of the headlight system. The wiring inside the headlight assembly failed. The insulation on bulb wires is crumbling everywhere and causing short circuits from exposed wire conductors. This causes a safety issue because the bulbs stop functioning, impairing visibility of the car, visibility of the road, and disabling motion intent lights like the turn signals. Bare wires touching can also lead to overheating and fires or failures of the headlight…
Seat Belts · reported May 2, 2023
For the last several years I’ve been complaining about my TPMS ALWAYS reflecting a “Low Tire Pressure “ response. Recently I went in for a oil change but indicated the my tire pressure light was on again. I take the Volvo to a shop I trust. Global AutoWorks in GrandHaven. They took care of my previous owned BMW without any issues. I put in Volvo S80’s recall site and found that there was a recall on 10/07/2010. The vehicle was a private purchase made in January 8, 2018 from the original owner. Upon purchase I made the decision to put new tires on the vehicle to see if that would fix…
Lane Departure · reported Jun 23, 2022
At night, when a direct strong light (headlight) from behind shines on the car, the BLIS system stop working. The only way to reset the system is to stop and restart the car, instead of turning the system button OFF and then back ON. This is unsafe since when you are on the highway, it is unsafe to do so. A simple fix is a software update that will RESET the system when you turn it OFF and then ON again
Seat Belts · at 188,000 miles · reported May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Volvo S80. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seat belt assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V378000 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
Structure · at 122,000 miles · reported Apr 10, 2021
Severe subframe rust due to the exhaust on volvo s80 v8 being too close and melting the paint off. Car is very clean and we'll taken care of. Appears to be a very common problem on the v8 s80s.

Other Volvo S80 years

Compare all Volvo S80 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volvo S80 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2009 Volvo S80: 20V-378 (seat belts), 10V-566 (equipment), 10V-335 (tires), 09V-343 (electrical system), 09V-218 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Volvo S80?

Owners report wheels problems most often (4 reports), followed by structure (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.